Reflections on the Mental, Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual aspects of Living with Chronic Conditions and Pain. Specifically, this blog explores the effects of Autoimmune Diseases, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Interstitial Cystitis (IC), Epilepsy, Seizures, and Migraines on Finding Happiness, Humor, and Balance in Life. Pictures, videos, and links to resources and inspiration are included.

Today I had an awesome bicycle ride! AND I only got up twice last night to go to the bathroom. To what do we owe these splendors?

I started Cimzia, yesterday. Cimzia is an injectable-biologic-medication used to manage the symptoms of inflammatory autoimmune diseases. It is specifically approved for Crohn’s and Arthritis. A wonderful Home Nurse from Arcadia Health Care, named Kathleen, came to our house and trained Mike and I on how to administer it yesterday afternoon. This is not the first injectable medication that I’ve had, but it is the first one without a fancy syringe that does the work for you. My Cimzia came in pre-filled syringes that shipped to my house from a speciality pharmacy. Beyond that, it was all old-school. The part I was most nervous about was pulling back on the syringe to check for a return (if blood came back up into the syringe). This would mean that I was in a blood vessel and would have to try again. I’m not sure why this part had me the most worried, except that with my fancy syringes in the past, I didn’t have to do this step-so, it was new. I also have fairly small hands so to reach back and pull up on the plunger with the same hand that’s holding the syringe is a little difficult. However, I had some good advice from a friend: “Keep breathing and don’t close your eyes.” (Good advice for many things in life-like driving for example. Thanks Beth-Beth!). That coupled with Kathleen’s awesome training made the process pretty smooth. And, all things considered, because I inserted the needle myself, it was gentler than the fancy-version that slammed the needle into me.

My husband Mike with our dog Danae

During our training, Mike explained to the nurse how we used to give our dog allergy shots, so we did have some experience with regular needles. When Mike would give these shots, he’d bribe our dog with a treat to get her to come into the kitchen. However, he wouldn’t give her the treat until after she received the shot and performed a trick (yep- he still made her perform a trick even though she got the shot). I had to have two shots yesterday. I administered one into my abdomen; I was pretty worried about this as I have a lot of scar tissue there and the whole area is tender, but it went surprisingly well. Mike injected the other shot into my thigh, which went fine as soon as I relaxed enough for him to “grab some meat.” After my shots, I decided that I too wanted a treat. (I figured injecting myself was a good enough trick).

I was considerably tired after Kathleen left. Besides my regular fatigue, I had been “slightly” worried about starting the Cimzia for at least the past week. Once the shots were complete the adrenalin wore off and I started to crash. But, I figured I’d better capitalize on this while I had the chance; so, I asked Mike to take me to the sushi buffet for my “treat.” The sushi was delicious but I spent most of the time in the bathroom and had an evening of pain. This is typical for me. And besides the bike ride, my day today has been a mash-up of “typical” symptoms. Cimzia injections aren’t magic shots. They take at least four to six weeks to kick-in.

Now, if you’ve been paying attention, you’re saying, “Wait, if these aren’t ‘magic shots,’ and they take four to six weeks to kick-in, then how is she attributing the good night and the bike ride to them?.” Well, I’m not. Or, at least not directly. I think these goodies were the universe’s “treat” to me. God and I have been chatting lately; I’ve been seeking His inner guidance and understanding. Through this process, I have come to know that I have a lot to learn from my experiences on this earth and that my time here is an opportunity and a blessing. I think these two wonders were God giving my efforts a great big smile and nod of encouragement.

Something else I have learned is that God works in mysterious ways. Therefore, if God wants to make the Cimzia work miraculously then I am certainly not going to turn away Her gift. “Evallah.”*

P.S. Did you feel the earthquake today? I think that all in heaven were dancing for joy with me.

*“‘Evallah‘ means ‘As you wish.‘ It literally means ‘As God wills‘ and signifies our willingness to accept whatever we are given – good or bad, delightful or unappetizing – remembering it comes from God.” (Norton and Smith; An Emerald Earth).

This article is featured in Understanding Invisible Illnesses‘ “Successes!” Blog Carnival! I’m really honored to be included among the other 12 great contributors. Be sure to hop over to the Carnival and check out the other posts to explore ways to improve your physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being.

In looking for images for this post, I typed “tiny hands” into google. Below are a couple interesting sites that came up.

This is a jewelry company that’s independently owned and operated by a young woman who creates handmade food-shaped AND scented jewelry.

Tiny Hands is a Christian non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the church in the developing world to help the poor overcome poverty and become lights of the world. We are committed to finding the greatest injustices in the world, and working towards relieving them however possible. We are particularly called to orphans, street children, and the victims of the sex-trafficking industry. We want to find those who are already doing the work, who are called and faithful, and help them do it in greater ways and with more efficiency. We do it all in obedience to, and for the glory of Jesus Christ.